Merlin
Nico Loubser is an experienced software engineer with a strong background in developing in-house software solutions. Currently serving as Lead Software Engineer at Merlin since September 2019, Nico is focused on building applications using REST and GraphQL APIs on AWS, utilizing PHP and Python. Prior experience includes team lead and PHP developer at PayFast, where Laravel and Lumen were employed, as well as web application development at @lantic and software development at Abraxor, a digital agency in London. Early career roles also include PHP development at various companies. Nico holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and a BSc Honours in Information Systems from the University of South Africa.
Merlin
Merlin provides independents the means to own their future. Merlin is a member led, music focused organization providing digital music licensing for independents across the globe. Members benefit from Merlin’s premium deals, but work directly with key digital partners. Our membership consists of independent labels, distributors, and other rights-holders, representing tens of thousands of labels and hundreds of thousands of artists from every country in the world. Merlin works collaboratively with our digital partners, delivers value back to those digital partners, and seeks to drive other incremental benefits to our members. Merlin’s approach has enabled our membership to grow to represent 15% of the global market share. Merlin’s membership includes independents such as Amuse, Armada Music, AudioSalad, CD Baby and Downtown Music (including FUGA), Beggars Group, Cinq Music Group, Dim Mak, DistroKid, Domino, Epitaph Records, Freeme Digital, IDOL, Kontor New Media, Mad Decent, MNRK Music Group, Monstercat, Mushroom Music, Ninja Tune, ONErpm, [PIAS], Pony Canyon, Redeye, Secret City, Secretly, Symphonic Distribution, Sub Pop, Vydia, and hundreds more. Merlin has deals with nearly 40 digital services, including partners like Apple, AWA, Boomplay, Canva, Deezer, FLO, JioSaavn, KKBox, Meta, NetEase, Pandora, Peloton, Snap, SoundCloud, Spotify, Tencent, TikTok, TREBEL, Twitch, YouTube Music, and many other global, regional and strategic partners, as well as being in conversations with dozens more. Merlin has resources in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and Thailand.